Vacation! Woo!

It's almost here. May 2nd and I will have a week off from work--with pay. Yes, I'm excited. J and I, along with his mom and grandma are heading to Niagra falls, and who knows where else. I've never really been anywhere before, so this is going to be nice.

I'll be posting while on the road--or trying to at least--so feel free to check out where I'll be.Pictures will be posted as they become available...and there will be plenty.:)

I'm Guest Blogging Today

Hi everyone!

I'm guest blogging today over at You Gotta Read today. Check it out and feel free to leave comments.

http://yougottareadguest.blogspot.com/

GUEST BLOGGER: Nancy Famolari

Today's guest blogger is Nancy Famolari. A few weeks ago, Nancy was nice enough to let me blog on her page. Now, here she is on mine. Please give her a warm welcome.

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Guest Blogger: NANCY FAMOLARI

Summer's Story by Nancy Famolari

My latest release is Summer's Story: Summer's Story takes place in the fast paced world of harness racing. For fourteen years, my husband and I had a small Standardbred breeding farm in New Jersey. We raised and raced these marvelous horses. Harness racing is very exciting. There are many heart warming stories about an owner or trainer believing in their horse and against the odds getting the horse to win a big race. This is what happens in Summer's Story. There are also people who take advantage of both horses and people for personal gain, not caring the least about how the horse is affected. I believed these elements would make a good novel. I hope people agree.

I loved writing the book, but what I enjoyed most was developing the character of Summer Langston. She's a very determined lady who cares about her horse, Meadow, and overcomes severe personal and professional obstacles to get her horse to the winner's circle. In the process, she learns something about herself and how to give and receive love. I like the fact that she's gutsy and doesn't give up easily.

Blurb: Summer's father, a famous racehorse trainer, is dead; his only asset, a fabulous trotter. Two men offer help to get the horse to the races. Summer refuses Ned, owner of Golden Oaks, blaming him for her father's death. Davis, a famous racehorse driver, wins her heart, but deserts her after she suffers a serious accident on the track. Behind the scenes, Max, a wealthy owner, will do anything to get the horse for his stable. Can Summer get her trotter to the winner's circle and most important will she find love?

Tired

I just got edits for Changed and I'm already tired. Work was draining as usual. I can't wait for vacation. We are plannin on going to Niagra Falls. I hope it all goes as planned. I really need some time off.

The Winner is...

The winner of Tabitha Shays giveaway is Cornelia. Congrats. Please be sure to claim your prize by emailing me at rosemariewolf AT gmail DOT com. Thank you everyone for commenting today.

GUEST BLOGGER: Tabitha Shay

My guest blogger this week is Tabitha Shay. Feel free to leave comments. There's a giveaway going on. Her books sound very interesting.

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‘The Witchy Woman In Me’
(The Beginning)

Good Morning, Readers, and Thank you, Rose Marie for inviting me to be your guest author today.

I’m paranormal romance author, Tabitha Shay, author of Witch’s Brew, Witch’s Heart and Witch’s Moon. Yes, there are more books to come in the Winslow witches of Salem series.

Bitten By Books gives Witch’s Brew a 4.5 tombstone review!


BLURB: WITCH’S BREW/BOOK ONE

Witches, wizards and magic!

Saylym Winslow regains forgotten magical powers, but is determined to ignore them. No way is she a witch; magic brings nothing but trouble. But when Talon, Waken Prince and assassin of witches is assigned to terminate Saylym by stealing her soul, she discovers being a real, spell-casting witch is only the beginning of her problems.

Talon is enchanted by Saylym's beauty and charm and refuses to do his duty. He is given a choice by the powerful Waken Guild: Handfast with the trouble making witch to keep her in line or they will send Drayke, the most ruthless waken assassin, to hunt her down.

Sparks fly in this bewitching, sexy battle of the sexes-witch-style.


EXCERPT /WITCH’S BREW/BOOK ONE

The hairbrush in Saylym Winslow's hand came alive, wiggling worse than a worm on a hook. With an earsplitting scream, she flung the brush across the bathroom and pressed a hand against her run-away heart.

Unfortunately, the brush landed in the commode with a distinctive plop. Water slapped over the sides of the porcelain rim, splattering onto the worn tiled floor.

Biting her lip, Saylym tiptoed to the toilet bowl and peered over the edge, then jumped back. Her breathing rattled to a dead stop in her chest. "Ohmigod! I don't believe it!"

The brush had inched its way up the side of the white porcelain as if it had suddenly sprouted hands and feet to pull itself up the wet surface. It reached the top, tottered for a second, then toppled over onto the floor and flopped like a fish out of water.

"No more," Saylym moaned. "Please. I can't stand one more inanimate thing coming to life."

There are nine more books planned for the series, with Witch’s Magic next in line, soon to be released from Eternal Press.

Quite often I’m asked where I got the idea for Witch’s Brew, book one.

Honestly, it just popped into my head one morning while I was going to pick up my son from work. Listening to my CD by The Eagles, I was jamming to their song, Witchy Woman. Spssst, I really get into the drums of that song and of course, I’m an avid sing-along-person.

But that morning, I was listening, instead of singing and it suddenly hit me, Hmm, I could write a book about a witch.

Now anyone who knows me at all knows this would be a big leap for me. I’ve written romances for years, but I tended to stick to contemporary western romances. The truth is, deciding I could write about a witch never even hit me that I was switching genres in mid-stream.

Now I have to wonder, with the world in the shape it is today, if I was suffering a mid-life crisis. (Laughs) Probably.

Mulling the idea over, the thought struck me if I was going to write about a witch, then she had to be different. Not just any old regular witch would do.
So how could she be different?

Okay, I had to think about that. What if she’s a witch who doesn’t know she’s a witch? Yeah! That sounded like a good start. Okay, problem. Why doesn’t she know she’s a witch? It’s not like using magic is something one can hide forever.

Coffee Time Romance gives Witch’s Heart a five cup review!

BLURB: WITCH’S HEART/BOOK TWO

Journey into a world where magic rules and death is the penalty for mistakes-return to the kingdom of Ru-Noc, where witches, wizards, and warlocks dwell. . .

Hannah Miller is starting over-new life, new location, and the grand opening of the Sugar 'N' Spice bakery with her best friend, Kirrah Walker. But Hannah soon discovers Sanctuary is not small town America. Trapped in a world of magic where humans are considered aliens-Hannah soon becomes the target of a waken assassin.

The male witch, Sage, is sent to terminate Hannah, the impertinent human who has dared to enter their sacred realm. Sage usually complies with the guild's orders, but he faces this assignment with dread. He hasn't forgotten what took place at the Salem witch trials in 1692 and has vowed to avoid all mortals-until he sees Hannah for the first time.

Caught up in the immortal conflict sweeping across Ru-Noc, the star-crossed lovers wage a different kind of war that set off more sparks than a witch's wand. . .

Fall under the spell of Witch's Heart-where Sage and Hannah discover love has a magic all its own . . .

EXCERPT: WITCH’S HEART/BOOK TWO

"I know a lot more about you than your name, Hannah Miller."

His voice was pure silk. It wrapped around her like a fur coat, warm, sensual and smooth as honey.

For the life of her, she couldn't keep the curiosity from her voice. "Oh? What do you know? Exactly?"

"I know you're human, a frail illumrof whose life span is but a twinkle, then gone. I know you should have remained in your own dimension. And I know it's impossible to mate with you."

"Mate with me?" Hannah gulped and put her hand on the rolling pin she'd left on the counter earlier. If she was no use to him, then what did that mean? He was going to kill her? Crap! They were back to the slice and dice. She tightened her grip on the rolling pin. "Over my dead body!" she said under her breath.

Bad choice of words, Hannah. Really bad.

Right. So…Saylym fell and hit her head? Has a bad case of amnesia? For how long? Three hundred years? Because right away I decided she had to be three hundred years old, or in that neighborhood.

Three hundred years of amnesia? Nope, don’t think so.

Why don’t I let someone erase her memory? Totally wipe away everything about her past. What would happen? How would she cope if one day her magic started to return, and she had no idea what was happening? So, dear readers, Saylym Winslow was conceived and born.

Coffee Time Romance gives Witch’s Moon a five cup review!

BLURB: WITCH’S MOON/BOOK THREE

Ru-Noc: A magical world teetering on the edge of destruction.

Excited about her first Beltane, the feisty and strong-willed Princess of Ru-Noc makes plans to find her ideal mate. But Princess Kali's world is turned upside down when finds herself whisked away and trapped in the mortal realm of vampires.

Captain Koran T knows he's in serious trouble when the King of Ru-Noc orders him to kidnap Princess Kali. He's no different than any other male of his species at mating time, so the urge to breed Kali is strong. But Koran T has a dark secret of his own, one that could have him banished from the coven.

Fall under the spell of a Witch's Moon-when dark forces gather to threaten the very existence of Ru-Noc-and Princess Kali and Captain Koran cross swords in a fierce battle only a witch can win!

EXCERPT: WITCH’S MOON: BOOK THREE

Ah, but the novel appearance of a male witch popping in at the all girls’ academy had them all atwitter, all—but one.

Abrupt silence filled the halls and avid gazes shot to Princess Kali as she marched down the hall like a stiff-backed soldier. Fury etched the aristocratic lines of her face. Her topaz eyes blazed with gold flames. Her heart-shaped lips were tight with displeasure and color stained her noble cheekbones.

What would the princess do? Say?

Money exchanged hands as bets were quickly made on the outcome of the battle that brewed. Who would win, Captain Koran T or Princess Kali?
Oh, but this was going to be an entertaining moment for all of them.

No doubt about it, the reckless and hot-tempered Princess was in a bit of a snit. In a swish and swirl of red silk, she left a heady cloud of jasmine and oleander perfume in her wake.

Necks craned and eyes widened as everyone watched the Princess storm down the corridor to Principal Wing’s office.

“What’s she doing now?” someone asked. “I can’t see her anymore.”

“Who cares what she’s doing? My heart’s still pounding from catching a glimpse of the Captain,” one young lady commented. “Did you see how handsome he is? The excitement is almost too much to bear.”

Now, I don’t want to reveal all Saylym’s secrets or the problems she faces when her magic starts to return, but obviously, the fun doesn‘t end with Saylym‘s story. No. Saylym has two sisters, Kirrah, whose tale in Witch’s Fire, will be released late in 2009 and Nyra, who tangles with Death in Witch‘s Touch, in 2010, so be watching for them.

I’m so thrilled to announce that all my books are now available in print from Amazon.com

Anyone leaving a comment today has a chance to win an E-copy of one of my witchy books or a signed print copy, which ever you prefer. Be sure we have a way to contact you if your name is drawn or be certain to check back about 8p.m. CST., when the winner’s name will be announced. Until the next time, scope out my website at http://www.tabithashay.com/

I can also be found at Myspace. http://www.myspace.com/tabithashay

Also, pay a visit to my publishers at http://www.eternalpress.ca/

One more tidbit of information: I also write contemporary western romances under the pen name-Jaydyn Chelcee. You’ll find her at the same website Tabitha Shay hangs around at.

See you soon.

Tabs

GUEST BLOGGER: Maria Zannini

My guest blogger for this week is Maria Zannini! Please welcome her!



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A Hit On The Side Of The Head

When I was a kid my mother used to give us a two minute warning before she launched into kamikaze mom mode. There were six of us so it was imperative she keep us in line. This was back in the day when children were seen and not heard. Yes, that's right. Olden times.

Kids being what they are, occasionally one or more of us would start to get whiny or else we'd ask too many questions, beg for too many sweets, or stand around dense as a post when we were asked a direct question.

At this juncture, my mother would sigh loudly and wave her hand palm forward and threaten the offending sibling with: "Keep it up and you'll get a hit on the side of the head."

Of course, this NEVER happened to me because I was a perfect child--I also knew my mother had a mean right hook. :o) (It's amazing I was never rechristened, "Bob-And-Weave")

But I digress.

The point is, whenever I get frustrated with myself I remember that very powerful message and counter with "D'oh!"

TOUCH OF FIRE was born as a result of a hit on the side of the head. A little more than a year ago, a friend of mine talked me into entering a hook contest at Samhain that only required the first five lines to a novel. I didn't have a book. I didn't even have an idea. But I have been a copywriter for a number of years so I said: "What the heck. I can write five lines" --and off I went.

Five weeks later, I won that contest and I floundered all day trying to figure out how to write the rest of the story.

But that very day I had also picked up an old book about the Mayas that mentioned how weird it was that their calendar stops at the year 2012. Speculation runs the gamut from the end of the world to a new beginning.

It was then my mother's imaginary hand thumped me on the side of my head. "That's it!" It was my eureka moment and the catalyst I was looking for. I've always been fascinated with post-apocalyptic stories and this was the perfect jumping off point. The story literally wrote itself.

TOUCH OF FIRE takes you 1200 years into the future and introduces you to the civilization that rose from the ashes of the 21st century. Future books will delve more into the time travel aspect and give you deeper reveals on how (and why) society changed, but this book is the seed that starts it all.

If you like futuristic fantasy, you'll love this one. It's got a touch of sci fi, paranormal and…umm…fire.

I hope you'll visit my blog and website. You can also follow me on Twitter where I occasionally say fascinating things. But more importantly, I hope you buy TOUCH OF FIRE and put a review up on the web. And if you don't see it at the bookstore--ask them to order it. Just show them a picture of my mother. They'll understand.

Want a chance to win a prize package? From now until May 28, 2009 at 12 Noon you earn a point for every time you put these words and my website link on any blog, forum, or social networking group.

The Apocalypse Is Closer Than You Think. Buy TOUCH OF FIRE by Maria Zannini.

http://www.mariazannini.com/

If you write a review for Touch Of Fire on Amazon or any other review forum, you earn 5 extra points. The person who mentions and reviews Touch Of Fire the most by 5-28-09 will receive a prize package worth $100. See my blog for details.

Thanks for reading this far and just to whet your whistle here are the lines that started it all.

The Reverend Mother used to tell acolytes that if men were going to brawl, they should at least be naked and glistening with oil.

Leda’s money was on the hulking brute with the Cydian blade, but right now she needed the other guy to win. That one had information she needed, and she wasn’t going to get it if he got himself killed. She was just about to intercede when her quarry tripped on his feet and knocked himself out cold.

Idiot.

Touch Of Fire comes out in print on April 28. Find it at:
Amazon
Barnes & Nobles
My Bookstore and More
Read an excerpt at Samhain Publishing

Thanks, Rose Marie for letting me hang out at your blog…and recalling fond memories from my childhood.

Maria, aka: Bob-And-Weave

Again With This?

I lost my groove. I can't seem to stay focused on writing. I think work and life is to the blame. Seriously, I feel like I'm doing everything myself. Working to pay bills, paying the bills, cleaning the house, laundry, dishes, cooking etc.

By the time I'm all done with that, I don't much feel like writing. Yeah, I know. There are people who do much more...but they sometimes have husbands that help out.

Not me. Mine plays video games all day. It pisses me off, but I didn't write this to bash him...though I really want to (I'll stop before I incriminate myself).

No, I just needed to vent.

Ugh.

GUEST BLOGGER: Shelley Munro

My guest blogger for this week is Shelley Munro. Please give her a very special warm welcome as she is also hosting me at her blog today. You can read my post at http://www.shelleymunro.com/blog.

Heeeeeere's Shelley!

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Reality Shows with Shelley Munro

Firstly, thanks to Rose Marie for inviting me to guest at her blog.

Today, I thought I’d talk about reality shows. The chances are that most of us have watched a reality show on television. They’re popular with viewers of all ages and topics of great discussion and debate amongst fans. It’s difficult to switch on the television and not hit one of the many reality shows currently gracing our screens.

So what is a reality show? Wikipedia defines reality shows as a television show that’s unscripted, shows dramatic or humorous events and features the man on the street instead of professional actors.

When I first considered writing this article, I thought reality shows were a modern invention. Not so. According to my research, reality television shows have been around since the late 1940s. Shows such as Candid Camera, You Asked For It, and the Miss America Pageant were around in the late 40s and early 50s. They’re all forms of reality shows.

In the last ten years, the popularity of reality shows has exploded. Millions of us tune in to watch shows such as American Idol, Survivor, The Amazing Race and Fear Factor.

Reality shows fall into several categories:

1. Documentary

These are shows such as 1900 House and Regency House. Directors plan the plots with the participants taking part in prescribed activities.

2. Elimination

The participants take part with the aim of winning a prize. One by one, the contestants are eliminated with the last person receiving a prize, often monetary in value. American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, The Biggest Loser and America’s Got Talent fall into this category.

3. Makeover

An expert or group of experts take ordinary people and “improve” or make them over. Examples are Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, Extreme Makeover, and What Not to Wear.

4. Renovation

Several shows concentrate on renovating homes and work spaces. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is a show that fits into this category.

Some reality show participants have found fame after their appearances such as many of the American Idol stars. Others have become media celebrities or gone on to host television shows. Love reality shows or hate them, the current popularity means they’re here to stay. These days, directors push boundaries, making some shows contentious and controversial. Some shows are unabashedly sexual. A fairly new show The Moment of Truth, where contestants are asked questions about their lives and things they have done, certainly pushes past my comfort zone. It makes me wonder about the reality shows of the future. How far will we push under the guise of entertainment?

I took the concept of a reality show and asked myself what will happen in the future? My books, SEX IDOL and FALLEN IDOL, are the result. They are both futuristic stories and are my version of what might happen with the reality shows of the future. Sex Idol features Antonio and Sasha, reunited lovers who compete for first prize in the inaugural Sex Idol contest. Fallen Idol features Bob and Rafi, old friends who compete for first prize and find love along the way.

You can read the blurbs and excerpts of both books at my website.

http://www.shelleymunro.com/books/sex-idol/

http://www.shelleymunro.com/books/fallen-idol/

What do you think about reality shows? Like them or hate them? Do you have any favorites?

Shelley Munro writes erotic romance for Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing. You can visit Shelley and read excerpts at http://www.shelleymunro.com/

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_television

New FAR Interview

I've been interviewed at Fallen Angel Reviews. Check out the link:

http://fallenangelreviews.com/Interviews/2009/March-LindaL-RoseMarieWolf.htm